The family was fined $88,000 after they collected 72 clams from Pismo Beach in California without a fishing license. People in California are required to have a fishing license to collect clams, and this family did not meet the requirements. However, the fine was later reduced to $500 by a San Luis Obispo County judge.
The incident happened at Pismo Beach, which is famous for its beaches and sea life. Pismo Beach is also known as the “Clam Capital of the World.” The family mistakenly believed they were collecting seashells but were actually taking clams. Unfortunately, their mistake led them to be fined.
Pismo Beach has strict rules regarding clam harvesting, including regulations on the size of the clams that can be collected, the time of day when clam harvesting is allowed and the maximum number of clams that can be collected per day. The mother was cited for fishing without a license and for collecting undersized clams.
After explaining their situation to a judge, the fine was reduced to $500 which could also be fulfilled through community service. Although it may have dampened their trip, the mother referred to it as an “expensive trip to Pismo” that was unforgettable. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife did not provide a comment on the matter when contacted.
